Apidra

Apidra Overview

Updated: April 21, 2015

Apidra is a prescription medication used to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Apidra is a fast-acting insulin, which helps control the spike in blood sugar levels after meals.

This medication comes in an injectable form and is usually injected just under the skin 15 minutes before meals or up to 20 minutes after starting a meal. Apidra is generally used with an intermediate or long-acting insulin.

Common side effects include low blood sugar, redness or swelling at the injection site, and weight gain.

Very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause unconsciousness (passing out), seizures, and death. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to tell if you have low blood sugar and what to do if this happens while taking this insulin. Know your symptoms of low blood sugar. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for treating your low blood sugar.

Talk to your healthcare provider if low blood sugar is a problem for you. Your dose may need to be changed.

Serious allergic reactions.

Get medical help right away if you have any of these symptoms of a severe allergic reaction:

a rash all over your body

shortness of breath

trouble breathing (wheezing)

fast pulse

sweating

feel faint (due to low blood pressure)

Low potassium in your blood. Your doctor will check you for this.

Common side effects include:

Reactions at the injection site (local allergic reaction). You may get redness, swelling and itching at the injection site. If you keep having skin reactions or they are serious talk to your healthcare provider.

Skin thickening or pits at the injection site. Do not inject insulin into skin where this has happened. Choose an injection area (upper arm, thigh, or stomach area). Change injection sites within the area you choose with each dose. Do not inject into the exact same spot for each injection.

Weight gain

Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects of insulin glulisine.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-332-1088.

Apidra Precautions

You may have trouble paying attention or reacting if you have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Be careful when you drive a car or operate machinery. Ask your healthcare provider if it is alright for you to drive if you have:

low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

decreased or no warning signs of low blood sugar

If using an infusion pump that is not working correctly, you may not get the right amount of insulin that can cause:

low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)

high amounts of sugar and ketones in your blood or urine

Apidra Food Interactions

Follow dietary (food) recommendations made by your doctor and dietitian which should include a healthy diet. Skipping meals should be avoided as this can cause problems maintaining blood sugar control. There are no specific foods to avoid while using Apidra.

Apidra and Pregnancy

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

Apidra falls into category C. In animal studies, pregnant animals were given Apidra, and some babies had problems.

It is very important to maintain control of your blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Your doctor will decide which insulin is best for you during your pregnancy.

Apidra and Lactation

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known whether Apidra passes into your milk. Many medicines, including insulin, pass into human milk, and could affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby.

Apidra Usage

Do not make any changes to your dose or type of insulin unless told to do so by your healthcare provider.

Know your insulin. Make sure you know:

the type and strength of insulin prescribed for you

the amount of insulin you take

the best time for you to take your insulin. This may change if you take a different type of insulin or if the way you give your insulin changes for example, using an insulin pump instead of giving injections under the skin (subcutaneous injections).

Apidra starts working faster than regular insulin, but does not work as long.

Apidra is usually used with a longer-acting insulin when given by injection under the skin (subcutaneous), or by itself when using an insulin pump.

Read the instructions for use that come with your Apidra. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions. Your healthcare provider should show you how to inject Apidra before you start taking it.

Your healthcare provider will prescribe the best type of Apidra for you. Apidra is available in:

3 mL cartridge system for use in OptiClik Insulin Delivery Device

3 mL SoloStar prefilled pen

10 mL vials

You need a prescription to get Apidra. Always be sure you receive the right insulin from the pharmacy.

Check your blood sugar level before each use of Apidra. Ask your healthcare provider what your blood sugars should be and when you should check your blood sugar levels.

Check the label to make sure you have the correct insulin type. This is especially important if you also take long-acting insulin.

Apidra should look clear and colorless. Do not use Apidra if it looks cloudy, colored, or has particles in it. Talk with your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have any questions.

If you take to much Apidra, your blood sugar may fall low (hypoglycemia). You can treat mild low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) by drinking or eating something sugary right away.

Apidra Overdose

If you take too much Apidra, your blood sugar may fall low (hypoglycemia). You can treat mild low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) by drinking or eating something sugary right away.

Very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause unconsciousness (passing out), seizures, and death. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to tell if you have low blood sugar and what to do if this happens while taking Apidra. Know your symptoms of low blood sugar. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for treating your low blood sugar. The effects of an Apidra overdose can be severe and life-threatening and may require emergency medical attention.

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